Homes evacuated as fires rage across cities

People had to leave their homes after dozens of firefighters were called to a large fire that broke out in a field, as well as four others across the West Midlands.

Fire crews were sent to Clayhanger Common by Clayhanger Road, near Lindon Road, Walsall, shortly after 15:20 BST after multiple reports of smoke and fire visible in the area.

Fifteen homes were evacuated at first, but residents were later allowed to return to them, West Midlands Police said.

Fire crews were also called to grass fires in four other parts of the region - Sheepwash Lane in Tipton; Brownshill Green Road in Coventry; Warrens Hall Nature Reserve in Dudley and a large fire in Gildas Avenue in Kings Norton, Birmingham.

The fire was about 200 sqm in size, according to the fire service, which added it affected about half of the 70-acre field, causing significant amounts of smoke to blow in multiple directions due to swirling winds.

Crews had planned to evacuate a further 60 homes, but as they were getting fire contained by 17:30 BST, this decision did not need to be taken, the fire service said.

Eight fire crews were sent to the scene and needed to use water from the nearby canal to tackle it. There were no reports of anyone being hurt.

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